In brief

Pontiff says suffering in Syria is unacceptable

Pope Francis told pilgrims in St Peter’s Square on Sunday that it was “unacceptable” that so many innocent people in Syria were “paying the price … for the closed hearts of the powerful and their lack of will for peace”. The Pope said a Hail Mary for the victims.

US religious sisters issue election plea

More than 5,600 US religious sisters have signed a letter asking for civil discourse in the presidential campaign. They called for an end to “dehumanising” language.

Most Americans back abortion restrictions

Most Americans support abortion restrictions outlawed by the Supreme Court, according to a Marist Poll.